Complete HarpWeek Explanation:During presidential campaigns, Harper's Weekly cartoonists concentrated on
caricaturing their political opponents (usually Democrats) negatively, rather
than presenting positive images of their favored candidates (usually
Republicans). This cartoon is an uncommon exception. The unnaturally large
figure of James Garfield, the Republican presidential nominee, dominates all
other characters and the entire space of this illustration. He is sketched as
the firm and courageous guardian of black Americans, who run to his protective
care. One black woman even kneels in worshipful reverence and thanksgiving. The
source of their fear is apparent in the right-background: the Democratic party.
Southern (left) and Northern (right) Democrats lumber into the scene, wielding
weapons and carrying banners with text denigrating blacks and threatening their
reenslavement or extermination.